Anytone/BaofengTech "8R" series GMRS, MURS, Ham radios
Feb 26, 2015 5:46:34 GMT
Post by ineffableone on Feb 26, 2015 5:46:34 GMT
Any HAMs here on SBG?
So I was doing some research into Baofeng handset ham radios as I am getting interested in getting my Ham tech some time soon and was checking out possible affordable radios.
Well I came across some info talking about how Baofengtech a US Baofeng/Pofung distributor had some exciting announcement coming. Hunting it down a bit, I found the announcement had been made.
ANILE-8R
Single Band VHF/UHF Portable Radios
NSTIG-8R
Dual Band VHF/UHF & FM Portable Radios (Dual Watch)
OBLTR-8R
Dual Band VHF/UHF & FM Portable Radios (Dual Watch)
23 GMRS Channels, 5 MURS, and NOAA Radio
TERMN-8R
Dual Band VHF/UHF & FM Portable Radios (Dual RX)
23 GMRS Channels, 5 MURS, and NOAA Radio
Crossband Repeater and 6 Band Monitoring
Here is a handy feature chart www.miklor.com/COM/Compare-AT-8R.php
anytonetech.com/ this seems to be the official site for the "8R" series.
Now I am still just learning about HAM and serious radio stuff. So I don't know really how to judge if this stuff looks/sounds good or not. There were a few things I noticed that seemed to be included on some of these new "8R" radios that folks doing reviews of Baofung radios were saying they wished they had. Things like updatable firmware, weather resistance, and "You can receive two signals at the same time; you can even transmit and scan (or receive) at the same time" So maybe some good stuff here?
Found a little more info on this blog hamgear.wordpress.com/2015/02/23/baofeng-tech-teaser-unveiled/
From Mikklor, the new firmware for these 8R series radios involves the MURS and GMRS bands hard-coded with bandwidth and power levels, and the VFO doesn't permit them to be manually dialed up or messed with.
Reference:
hamgear.wordpress.com/2015/02/23/baofeng-tech-teaser-unveiled/#comment-10859
forums.radioreference.com/budget-entry-level-transceivers/306171-mystery-new-game-changer-coming-2015-baofeng-10.html#post2344782
Some preliminary user manuals for the 8R series. www.amateurradio.com/anytone-techs-new-models-user-manuals/
Also something worth noting from this article.
I am looking forward to hearing how these hold up to review.
During all the research the past couple days I have actually started thinking that typically 1st gen electronics tend to be rather buggy. So even if the 8R's were affordable when the prices are released it might not be worth picking up for a newbie when they first come out. it might be a good idea for me to wait for them to really get going and tested a bit before considering them.
The reason I have been split between the BF-F8HP or the UV-82 is the BF-F8hp has the 5R after market compatibility. So all the batteries and other accessories can work for it. I could really care less about the 8 watts part and would likely never use it or seldom and since in a HT the power difference has minimal effect. The reason I would however opt for the BF-F8HP is it the most up to date 5R design and the 5R accessory compatibility. Though I have been leaning toward the UV-82 since learning about it. However more experienced folks suggestions to consider the UV-82 over any 5R series have likely pushed me toward the UV-82 more. I have liked the UV-82 design more than the 5R from the get go. Only the lower amount of accessories with the UV-82 has made me consider the BF-F8hp.
So I was doing some research into Baofeng handset ham radios as I am getting interested in getting my Ham tech some time soon and was checking out possible affordable radios.
Well I came across some info talking about how Baofengtech a US Baofeng/Pofung distributor had some exciting announcement coming. Hunting it down a bit, I found the announcement had been made.
We are excited to reveal the announcements of both our sister brand - AnyTone Tech; along with the launch of the "8R Series" Radios. The "8R Series" includes the World's very FIRST multi-certified radios - legal for use on MURS, GMRS, Commercial, and Amateur frequencies. The "8R Series" is just the start of our radio revolution. Some companies have over-charged us for quality equipment, and other companies have brought "affordable" equipment that lacks quality - Enough is enough and it is time to bring quality equipment at affordable prices!
Oh and did we mention that firmware is upgradeable? The future is looking good!
We appreciate your continued support of our growing family,
The Teams at BaoFeng Tech and AnyTone Tech.
Oh and did we mention that firmware is upgradeable? The future is looking good!
We appreciate your continued support of our growing family,
The Teams at BaoFeng Tech and AnyTone Tech.
ANILE-8R
Single Band VHF/UHF Portable Radios
NSTIG-8R
Dual Band VHF/UHF & FM Portable Radios (Dual Watch)
OBLTR-8R
Dual Band VHF/UHF & FM Portable Radios (Dual Watch)
23 GMRS Channels, 5 MURS, and NOAA Radio
TERMN-8R
Dual Band VHF/UHF & FM Portable Radios (Dual RX)
23 GMRS Channels, 5 MURS, and NOAA Radio
Crossband Repeater and 6 Band Monitoring
Here is a handy feature chart www.miklor.com/COM/Compare-AT-8R.php
anytonetech.com/ this seems to be the official site for the "8R" series.
Now I am still just learning about HAM and serious radio stuff. So I don't know really how to judge if this stuff looks/sounds good or not. There were a few things I noticed that seemed to be included on some of these new "8R" radios that folks doing reviews of Baofung radios were saying they wished they had. Things like updatable firmware, weather resistance, and "You can receive two signals at the same time; you can even transmit and scan (or receive) at the same time" So maybe some good stuff here?
Found a little more info on this blog hamgear.wordpress.com/2015/02/23/baofeng-tech-teaser-unveiled/
Two models will be dual certified for USA Part 95 and Part 90, they will have a MURS and a GMRS mode for use (Kenwood made a 90/95 model), but these will be the first models to have 90/95 and amateur usage, making it the most legal flexible radios. These features are mainly for North American users; if you follow prepper (aka survival) blogs this is one of the most heated debates for using Baofeng radios.
Two radios will have upgradeable firmware – a win for all,
Two radios will have NOAA weather alerts – a feature for USA customers,
Two radios are IP53 certified and they were production units, not modified samples for the lab, and rated weatherproof rather than water resistant,
One radio will be able to cross-band repeat and be a full duplex unit,
Co-operation with the developers of CHIRP.
Two radios will have upgradeable firmware – a win for all,
Two radios will have NOAA weather alerts – a feature for USA customers,
Two radios are IP53 certified and they were production units, not modified samples for the lab, and rated weatherproof rather than water resistant,
One radio will be able to cross-band repeat and be a full duplex unit,
Co-operation with the developers of CHIRP.
From Mikklor, the new firmware for these 8R series radios involves the MURS and GMRS bands hard-coded with bandwidth and power levels, and the VFO doesn't permit them to be manually dialed up or messed with.
Reference:
hamgear.wordpress.com/2015/02/23/baofeng-tech-teaser-unveiled/#comment-10859
forums.radioreference.com/budget-entry-level-transceivers/306171-mystery-new-game-changer-coming-2015-baofeng-10.html#post2344782
Some preliminary user manuals for the 8R series. www.amateurradio.com/anytone-techs-new-models-user-manuals/
Also something worth noting from this article.
Let’s see how these radios perform and at what price point before judging them. I know John of Miklor.com gets (or already has) review samples, and I’m on the list too.
I am looking forward to hearing how these hold up to review.
During all the research the past couple days I have actually started thinking that typically 1st gen electronics tend to be rather buggy. So even if the 8R's were affordable when the prices are released it might not be worth picking up for a newbie when they first come out. it might be a good idea for me to wait for them to really get going and tested a bit before considering them.
The reason I have been split between the BF-F8HP or the UV-82 is the BF-F8hp has the 5R after market compatibility. So all the batteries and other accessories can work for it. I could really care less about the 8 watts part and would likely never use it or seldom and since in a HT the power difference has minimal effect. The reason I would however opt for the BF-F8HP is it the most up to date 5R design and the 5R accessory compatibility. Though I have been leaning toward the UV-82 since learning about it. However more experienced folks suggestions to consider the UV-82 over any 5R series have likely pushed me toward the UV-82 more. I have liked the UV-82 design more than the 5R from the get go. Only the lower amount of accessories with the UV-82 has made me consider the BF-F8hp.